Top 100 Kimeru Words
The Meru, one of Kenya’s most populous tribes, live on the eastern and northern slopes of Mount Kenya. Their language is rich and varied, depending on the dialect spoken. Below are some common Kimeru words that may help you on your next trip to the region!
- Muuga – Hello/ how are you
- Mwari – girl/daughter
- Muji – home
- Ruuji – water
- Naarua/umunthi – today
- Ruju – tomorrow
- Thimu – phone
- Mucore – friend
- Uka/nju – come here
- Ndaka – boy
- Muthaka – circumcised boy
- Nja – outside
- Juju – grandparent
- Baaba – Father
- Bwatinda atia – how was your day
- Tinda bwega – good day
- Butharimwe – be blessed
- Mama wega/ lala bwega – sleep well
- Ii – yes
- Ari – no
- Ibwega – thank you
- Twite/Tuthi – let’s go
- Twonane – see you
- Mbeca – money
- Muno – more
- Atia – how
- Ntina mbeca – I have no money
- Murimi – farmer
- Murui – cook?
- Mwiti – traveller?
- Mukoobi – borrower?
- Mpeempe – maize
- Bangi – others (referring to people)
- Muntu – man
- Muka – woman
- Thaambia – wash
- Cukuru – school
- Njuri – council of elders
- Nkoro – heart
- Giti – chair
- Kabeti – small wallet/purse
- Mwiji – boy
- Ucuru – porridge
- Nda- stomach
- Gitanda – bed
- Chai – tea
- Kauwa – coffee
- Chukari – sugar
- Mugate – bread
- Ngari – car
- Irinda – dress
- Shati – shirt
- Kiratu – shoe
- Ng’ombe – cow
- Mburi – goat
- Ngondu – sheep
- Nguku – hen
- Iria – milk
- Yuku/mbuku – book
- Karamu – pencil/pen
- Nduka – shop
- Mugunda – farm
- Mwanki – fire/hot
- Mpio – cold
- Riua – sun
- Mweri – moon
- Mbura – rain
- Ruo – rain
- Ina- sing
- Murungu- God
- Kanisa- church
- Vatiri – priest
- Mubea – pastor
- Mwana – baby
- Mutanongina – brother
- Mwarongina – sister
- Kameme – radio
- Mwarimu – teacher
- Ndaktari – doctor
- Kuru/nkui – dog
- Mpaka – cat
- Kiegeri – broom
- Thani – plate
- Gikombe – cup
- Gichiko – spoon
- Gachiu/kayu – knife
- Uma – fork
- Meno – tooth/teeth
- Kanyua – mouth
- Nkoro – heart
- Njara – hand
- Kuguru – foot
- Kiara – toe
- Thibitari – hospital
- Ikwa – yams
- Mulango – door
- Ndigu – bananas
- Kuanda – to plant
- Kuandika – to write
- Kuthoma – to read
Now that you have this list of top 100 Kimeru words, you are all set for your first visit to the slopes of Mount Kenya! Good luck!
